Lara Croft Heads to Africa and Greece

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By Paul

Last week, we reported that the producers of the Tomb Raider sequel were saying "zai jian" to China, electing to shoot the film's Asian scenes back in Wales instead. For now, however, Angelina Jolie and the rest of the team are still abroad, filming parts of Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life in all kinds of exotic locales.

IGN FilmForce correspondent "The Butler" has reported in with news that at least one film unit has set off for Kenja to shoot on the slopes of picturesque Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak. After that, they're proceeding to Nairobi for more footage. Djimon Housou (Gladiator, Amistad) might be involved with the expedition, since he plays the role of a Masai warrior in the new Lara Croft film.

Meanwhile, Lara Croft herself is off enjoying the sunny Mediterranean climate. The Z Review reports that the opening scenes of the film are being staged in Santorini, Greece. These sequences will involve a wedding, an unexpected earthquake, a volcanic eruption, and the emergence of an ancient city from the waters of the Mediterranean.

The action segments of this part of the film are complicated and involve both underwater and jet-skiing stunts for headliner Angelina Jolie and her stunt-actress look-alikes. Diving teams are working around the clock to get the more difficult shots finished.

Contributor Paul Bodkin writes in to us from the island of Santorini with additional details and photos of the Tomb Raider 2 set. He confirms the wedding and earthquake sequences as well as the aquatic stunts. He adds that high winds have prevented the film crews from getting some of the shots they wanted. They might be returning to England in a day or two &#Array; sooner than expected &#Array; to do the rest of the shooting at Pinewood Studios.

Below are two photos of the gorgeous locale and some of the sets that are being used for the wedding and possibly also for the ancient city. The location will probably be enhanced in post-production using digital technology.

We've also learned by way of Dark Horizons that some brief filming may take place early next year in Hong Kong, including beauty shots of Victoria Harbor.